MOBS (Mentoring our Brothers and Sisters) is a peer mentoring program that’s designed to benefit all commencing undergraduate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students throughout their first year of study.

It also builds leadership capabilities in our continuing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. MOBS mentors and mentees are easy to spot on campus when they’re in the beautifully designed blue shirts.

The beautiful painting used for the shirts was produced by a local Aboriginal Women’s art therapy group in Redfern (Connections).

It tells a story of a student’s life journey going to University and beyond via further education. The use of traditional and non-traditional colours was important to the elders who painted this picture as it represents not only our place in the future of this country but also the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their history and their culture.

The composition of this painting centres on the main circle which represents the University of Sydney. The brown arches on the outside of this circle represent the male and female students studying on-campus.

Each of the dotted circles that make up this large circle showcase the multiple disciplines within University. The seven circles on the outside are the seven states and territories of Australia. The footprints walking into the University are our mob coming into study and walking away as University graduates.

Members of Connections adding their final touches to the artwork

The MOBS mentoring program aims to connect you with current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who can provide advice, guidance and support to help you through the challenges of your first year.

Through this structured program you will have opportunities to make friends by joining a community of students to share your culture and university experience with.

For more information, contact the Mana Yura Student Support team on +61 2 8627 8619 or email [email protected].